Delta Dental of Arkansas Blog

Happy Valentine’s Day! Keeping Your Heart Healthy for Your Valentine is the Best Present You Can Give

It is inevitable – thinking about retirement forces you to think about your age which often leads to worries about your
health. Thinking about your health can be scary, but let’s be honest, what really scares you is not getting to cross off another item from your to-do
list. There are many things you couldn’t get done while working, and now that you are retired, you don’t need something like heart disease getting in your
way. To help you brush off heart disease, brush your teeth!
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. for both men and women. With statics like that, we should
all look for ways to reduce our chances of developing the disease. Taking care of our mouth is an easy place to start. So how are the two connected? Gum
disease, which is a bacterial infection, roughly doubles the risk that a person will suffer from heart disease. Bacteria in the mouth can migrate into
the blood stream and form small blood clots that can contribute to the clogging of arteries. Inflammation from gum disease can also lead to the buildup
of fatty deposits inside the heart arteries. The connection can also go the other way with heart disease treatment contributing to gum disease. Certain
heart drugs can cause dry mouth, increased plaque or enlarged gum tissue. These conditions can lead to gum infections which makes heart disease and gum
disease a two-way street. Regular brushing and flossing help keep your gums healthy and can help decrease your risk for heart disease. You should also
visit your dentist for exams and cleanings. Only dental professionals can remove the tarter and plaque that builds up on your teeth. Don’t want heart disease
to hold you back during your golden years? Then don’t wait to see your dentist! This Valentine's Day, add dental appointment to your to-do list. It may
not be a dozen roses or a box of candy, but preventing heart disease and staying healthy for years to come is the best present you can give your special
Valentine. So now that you know how to help prevent gum and heart disease, what’s next on your list? If it’s that trip to Hawaii, then keep following our
blog for tips about how to get that picture perfect smile!